Thread: Hard to start GTP

I have a 99 GTP. In order for me to start the car I have to turn the key on and off a couple times, allowing the fuel pump to run each time, before trying to start. I have replaced: plugs, wires, fuel pressure regulator, PCM (I had some other issues when I first bought the car), fuel pump, fuel filter, battery, MAF sensor, supercharger oil. Some of these things have seemed to help the starting issue, but none of them have cured it. The car runs great after started. It will hesistate once, shortly after putting into gear and first getting into the throttle, but then no issues at all. Any ideas?

did you check to see if you have a leaky injector?

Unbolt the fuel rail, pull it out, the injectors will come with it. Then insert the key and turn it to the on position, if any leak fuel then replace them.

I have checked fuel pressure and it builds to 45-50 psi and drops slowly to 40 psi and then holds at 40 psi. I have not checked the injectors, but this was going to be my next place to look at, I was just unsure of what or how to check the injectors. Thank you, when I get time I will look into this.

if its holding at 40psi then it cant be and injector if u press the gas peddle does it start as this would signify a bad idle air control valve

It will try to start, but will not keep running. Even after I turn the key on twice and let the fuel pump run, I have to crank through the first pop of it trying to start and i will then start once the starter grabs again. Where is the idle air control valve?

believe so as if its getting stuck up then your turning hte key on ona off maybe jogging it and causeing it to open...this is a part that often goes bad and matches the description of the problem your having so id consider starting there. start it by stepping on the gas and leaving your foot on it to maintain 2500 to 300 rpm..if it starts okay and stays running for a few second take your foot off the pedal...if it stalls out replace the idle valve...

I replaced the idle air control valve. It made it better but still not perfect. I still cannot just jump in it, turn the key and have it start. I still have to crank through the first pop for it to start. When it is not throwing any codes and I have replaced everything I can think of, I am at a loss of what to do next.

Did you clean the hole where the IAC valve slides in? If you have carbon build up in there that could affect the ability of the IAC valve to move.

Yes. I sprayed it with carb cleaner and wiped it out with a rag. I'm almost to the point of just saying screw it. I can get the car start, thats all that matters. I consider it being hard to start like another security system. On a good note, I just installed a high flow k&n cone filter and intake tube. Wow, I wish I would have done that when I first bought the car back in March.

what else is she doing besides the hard start? is it hesitating or anything else.... im hoping you have another clue for us as im stuck for now too

She will hesitate once, when cold. If I start her, put into gear, pull out onto the road and start accelerating, she will like fall on her face for a split second, pick back up and run fine. Only when she is cold. And it doesn't seem to be affected by outside temperature. However, on cool, damp mornings she can be a little harder to get started.

possibly vacuum leak or maybe even egr valve...block the egr off and see what happens as i dont know 100% but wouldnt be surprised if it was an egr valve

Did you ever figure out your issue? My 99 does exactly the same thing

I'm also curious to see if they ever resolved the issue. My car is having a similar issue. Sometimes it'll fire off immediately, though for a split second it seems like it wants to die. Other times, it'll turn over, "start" then die pretty immediately. And yet other times it'll have to crank a few revolutions before it'll kick on, though that is extremely rare. Typically it's the: "turn over, starts, stalls out and dies, turn over starts and stays started, or I have to give it gas" situation.

I'm going to use the advice thus far in this thread to try and see if it's the IAC, EGR, and maybe even the TPS since this car is 140k miles deep and has unknown maintenance history.